World War 1 1.Controversies 2.Social Change 3.Nationhood 4.Aftermath

WW1 1. Controversies a) War Measures Act Government had power to arrest and detain subversives (enemy to the Allies) German & Austro-Hungarians immigrants had to register with Police All publications written in “enemy languages” were banned Internment camps / Work camps – suspected German and Austrian sympathizers were treated like Prisoners Of War –Many forces to work without pay (steel mills, logging camps, coal mines, clearing land, building roads…) –Camps were not shut down until 1920

Controversies – some pics Parliament fire (before tower fell)1916 Quebec bridge falls 1916 Canada’s first response 1914 Canadian internment camps

WW1 1. Controversies (continued) b) A White Man’s War Gender & ethnicity determined who was INITIALLY accepted for military duty WOMEN – They were seen as too “weak” to endure life on front lines BUT worked on homefront, served at nurses and ambulance drivers. More than 3000 Canadian women signed-up and 47 died ABORIGINALS – Until 1915, they were denied the right to volunteer for military service. Officially, the gov’t thought they would be mistreated if caught as Prisoners Of War. BUT in 1916, the gov’t changed their stance during the conscription crisis. There were 4000 Aboriginal solders who served in active combat. AFRICAN CANADIANS – They had a history of military service to Canada and Britain yet they still faced barriers. In 1916 there two labour battalions of African-Canadians headquartered in Pictou, NS. Of the 1000 who volunteered, few saw active combat. Their commanders were always white. They were segregated in separate barracks, tents, eating areas and YMCA entertainment. The African- Canadian services remained largely unrecognized.

Hospital – Christmas 1914

WW1 1. Controversies (continued) c) The Conscription Crisis – In 1914, there was a huge response from Canadians to enlist and Prime Minister Borden said there would be NO CONSCRIPTION. – By 1916, massive casualties meant a need for more troops yet the word was out about the horrors of war. – At home, there was high employment with good pay and many chose to support the war by working in vital services at home. – Borden now pushed YES TO CONSCRIPTION. This became an election issue in To gain support for conscription, he passed The Military Voters Act (allowing servicemen & women to vote) and later The Wartime Elections Act (extending voting rights to widows, wives, mothers & adult sisters and daughters of servicemen) – Borden won and conscription occurs. In 1918, over Easter Weekend in Quebec city, riots break-out and 4 people were killed and many injured. – conscripted yet only engaged in military service.

WW1 2. Social Change  By 1917 – over 600 new factories in Canada producing $2MILLION a DAY in manufactured goods. Canada: A newly industrialized nation!  In 1916 there was a labour shortage so women stepped in (munitions factories, fish canneries, transportation services…) Long hours, harsh working conditions, much less pay ($) than men (no pay EQUITY)  Women suffrage movement (most women could finally vote)  Workers’ Unions sprang up for workers’ rights  Daycare needed (Community & Church groups helped)  Social Assistance (to mothers with husbands overseas)  Financial cost of war – Victory bonds, personal income tax

Nurses voting Conscription riot

WW1 3. Nationhood  Canadians felt that we were suffering horrific losses just like Britain and should be better recognized.  Resolution IX – made Canada autonomous in making decisions in OUR foreign affairs  PM Borden demands: To be included in peace talks and sign Treaty of Versailles To be a member of the newly found League of Nations (symbolizes independence from Britain)

PM Borden had many reasons why Canada should be recognized.

WW1 4. Aftermath  Map of Europe is redrawn (in hopes of breaking German alliances)  League of Nations formed (in hopes of maintaining peace) Yet 3 superpowers not part of League –Germany, Russia, USA WWII may have been preventable with their participation?!  Canadians soldiers served, never returned and others were maimed physically ( ) and emotionally scarred.  The wartime economy all but halted after the war causing stress, unemployment & poverty.

WW1 4. Aftermath (continued)  National debt rose from $463million to $2.46BILLION  Personal Income Tax and Sales Tax remained permanent  PM Borden pushed for Canada to no longer be controlled by Britain with Resolution IX (this was finalized with Statute of Westminster of 1931)  Canada is renowned for its’ great courage and found a name for itself in the world.